#MakeInIndia: Boeing and Tata ink deal to make UAV’s, helicopter parts in India

In a major boost to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious ‘Make In India’ campaign, US aviation giant Boeing has inked a deal with Tata Group to manufacture aerospace and defence equipment in the country.

A statement from Boeing on Wednesday said the deal includes the manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles while all products will be marketed across the world.

Mr Modi is keen to encourage more international companies to manufacture in India and the defence sector is a key part of that strategy.

The Tata Group company behind this latest deal – Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) – already works with Europe’s Airbus and American major Lockheed Martin.

Shelley Lavender, president of Boeing Military Aircraft said: “This agreement is significant because it demonstrates Boeing’s commitment to expanding its aerospace manufacturing footprint in India.”

“As we step into our 100th year in business, a new aerospace partnership with India is the perfect milestone to accelerate the momentum we have generated for making in India,” said Pratyush Kumar, president for Boeing India.

Under the deal, TASL will manufacture parts for Boeing’s iconic Chinook military helicopters.

Incidentally, the Indian government is currently in the process of clearing a contract – estimated to be worth nearly £2 billion – for 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook cargo helicopters, both of which are manufactured by Boeing.

The Boeing TATA deal is the latest to give a boost to Mr Modi’s Make in India campaign.

Last month, Airbus Helicopters and Mahindra Defence, announced a plan to produce helicopters to cater to India’s military requirements as the Modi government readies to place a further £6 billon worth of helicopter orders for reconnaissance, surveillance and naval utility.